​​DIY Series – Part 4: How to Digitize Photos and Documents with Your iPhone or Android Device

You don’t need expensive equipment to start digitizing your important documents and cherished photos. Your smartphone is a powerful scanning tool that can quickly turn paper into organized digital files. Whether you use an iPhone or Android, here’s how to do it easily.

Digitizing with an iPhone

Using the Notes App
  1. Open the Notes app and create a new note.
  2. Tap the camera icon, then select Scan Documents.
  3. Hold your phone over the document and let it automatically capture the image. Adjust if needed.
  4. Tap Save to store it in your Notes or share it elsewhere (files, drive, etc.).
Using a Third-Party App (Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, etc.)
  • Download a scanning app from the App Store.
  • Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to scan.
  • Save files as PDFs or images, then organize them into folders.

Digitizing with an Android Device

Using Google Drive
  1. Open the Google Drive app.
  2. Tap the + button, then select Scan.
  3. Capture your document, crop if needed, and save it as a PDF.
  4. Store it in your Drive for easy access across devices.
Using a Third-Party App
  • Apps like Adobe Scan and CamScanner work similarly on Android.
  • Scan, adjust, and save your files in the format of your choice.

Tips for Best Results

  • Place documents on a flat, well-lit surface to avoid shadows.
  • Use auto-detect features in scanning apps for cleaner edges.
  • Save files with clear names (e.g., 2025-Tax-Docs.pdf).

Final Thought

Your phone is all you need to start going paperless. Try scanning today and take the first step toward an organized digital life!


This post is part of the Digital Organization Series, where I walk you through everything you need to know about scanning, organizing, and managing your digital files. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your system, you can explore the full series here: DIY Series.